Insights: Policy

RFK/MAHA Agenda

Reports have recently circulated suggesting HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK) may be leaving the Trump administration sometime in July. HHS has pushed back on that reporting, saying Kennedy remains in the role and is continuing to advance the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda.

Drug Pricing (Democratic Agenda)

Senate Finance Committee Democrats released a request for information (RFI) seeking comments on proposals to lower prescription drug prices. The document builds on a February “Dear Colleague Letter” from Ranking Member Wyden (D-OR) and previews potential legislative work across three areas: lowering manufacturer prices, reducing patient...

Drug Pricing (MFN)

One of CMS’s two Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) drug pricing models has moved to OMB review. The Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs, or GUARD, model (Part D model) is now at OIRA as a final rule (the final step before release). The Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing, or GLOBE, model (Part B) is not currently listed as under...

Medicare Drug Price Negotiation

CMS released a proposed rule to codify the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program for IPAY 2029 and later. The most notable new proposal would change how CMS treats certain fixed-combination products that are effectively new delivery versions of an existing drug.

Tech / Media / Telecom

The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) final rule governing the OBBBA-mandated Upper C-Band (3.98-4.2 GHz) auction is under review by the OMB’s Office of Information & Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). This is the last step in the regulatory process before the FCC releases orders for public review and votes on measures during an open meeting of...

FY27 Funding, Reconciliation, Iran Supplemental

In the last couple of days, the outlook for FY27 defense spending has come into greater focus. As we previously noted, the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and Defense Appropriations Subcommittee have passed the annual defense policy bill (NDAA) and FY27 defense appropriations bill on a partisan Republican basis at $1,071b, the level...